Friday, February 27, 2009

2009 Perennial Plant of the Year

Each year the Plant of the Year is chosen by a vote from the Perennial Plant Association members. Members nominate plants for Plant of the Year based on the following criteria:

Suitable for a wide range of climatic conditions

Low maintenance

Pest and disease resistant

Readily available in the year of release

Multiple season of ornamental interest

Easily propagated by asexual or seed propagation

Otherwise known as Japanese Forest Grass, this plant grows in Zones 5 through 9 in full sun to part shade. It will take full sun in the north and requires at least part shade in the hotter south. It prefers moist hummus-rich, well drained soils and will not do well in heavy clay. It grows to 18” in height to 3’ wide.

The bright variegated color should succeed in brightening up dark shady places. I think broader leaved plants such as hostas or fatsias would make a nice contrast to the Japanese Forest Grass, as well as brightly colored oriental lilys or even impatiens. Alliums would be fascinating poking out of this stuff!

It makes a nice plant to view up close and personal and its weeping habit would certainly draw the eye down to the horizontal surface of any water feature or patio.

Isn’t it a beauty?!

I can’t wait to try it in my own garden this year!

This week, I'm hooked on perennials. To see what others are hooked on this Friday, go visit Hooked on Houses.

13 comments:

I love hakonechloa! Have it in my own garden as well as use it for clients. Here in California it needs part to full shade but has done fine in my garden in clay soil - plants can be quite resilient, even in less than ideal conditions.

It generally looks pretty crummy when it first comes from the nursery as it's very small and spindley. I've had problems with clients thinking it was dead the first winter or their gardeners think it is a weed and pull it out, so make sure you have some patience while its maturing the first few years. If you're ok with adding some annuals, this looks amazing paired with coleus. You'll get a lush, tropical look that lasts all summer and well into the fall.

You know that's funny you should say that. I ordered some last year and it came in very small as well. I ended up pulling it as I thought it was a weed! I was thinking it would also look great with coleus -- especially chartreuse & burgandy leaved coleus. Thanks for stopping by!

Spring is Here

About Me

I am a daughter, a wife, a mother, a sister and a friend. I love writing, plants, garden design and architecture. As a practicing and registered Landscape Architect living and working in southeastern North Carolina, I have devoted my professional life to helping others create meaningful and beautiful outdoor spaces for living. I enjoy sharing my knowledge and educating others about the things I am most passionate about.

March Plant of the Month

Oxalis regnelli, otherwise known as the Shamrock, is the most recognized symbol of Ireland and is often associated with the Irish and St. Patrick's Day. Otherwise known as woodsorrel, it was a sacred plant to the Druids of Ireland. Its leaves formed a triad and three was a mystical number in the Celtic religion. St. Patrick used the shamrock in the 5th Century to illustrate the doctrine of the Holy Trinity as he introduced Christianity to Ireland. In later years, it was worn on the lapel. Hence the slogan "wearin' of the green."

To all my friends in Blogland, Happy St. Patrick's Day!May the roof above us never fall in. And may the friends gathered below it never fall out!